Leave Lionel Messi open at your own peril.
With Argentina’s World Cup hopes in danger of taking a precarious turn, the 35-year-old superstar scored to give the Albiceleste a 1-0 lead over Mexico in their second Group C game.
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Lionel Messi celebrates after giving Argentina the lead.
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Argentina scores in the second half.
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Lionel Messi is mobbed by teammates after his goal.
REUTERS
In the 64th minute, Messi collected the ball well-outside Mexico’s box. Curiously left open in space by the Mexican defense, Messi was able to take a touch onto his favored left foot and unleash a low-driven shot perfectly placed into the bottom-right corner. It was his 93rd-career international goal and eighth in a World Cup, and could prove pivotal for Argentina.
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In their Group C opener, Argentina stunningly lost to Saudi Arabia 2-1 in one of the World Cup’s biggest-ever upsets. It set up a virtual must-win game against Mexico, as a loss would have eliminated Argentina from the tournament. Tied 0-0 before Messi’s goal, a draw would have left Argentina needing a miracle in their last group stage game to advance to the knockout round.
MESSI 😱😱😱
Argentina takes the lead vs Mexico! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/iqDUyzzxlx— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 26, 2022
In the 87th minute, Messi then assisted Enzo Fernandez to give Argentina a 2-0 lead, sending them into second place in the group heading into the last game before the knockout round. Fernandez received Messi’s pass on the left side of the box and uncorked a rocket past Mexican goalie Guillermo Ochoa.
Argentina faces Poland on Wednesday.